A little-known potential Republican presidential candidate, Buddy Roemer, focused on economic plans in an address Monday morning at Point of Grace Church in Waukee.

The former Louisiana governor laid out a multipoint plan to create U.S. jobs by overhauling the nation’s trade, energy and tax policies. He promised not to take campaign contributions of more than $100.

He decried what he called an addiction to Middle East oil, corporations that don’t pay taxes, and special interests that have cost the nation jobs.

“We’ve stood by and let our best jobs go to China and Mexico,” he said.

Proposals that Roemer put forth include increasing the Social Security retirement age by one month each year for 24 years, and reducing the national budget by 1 percent of the gross domestic product per year over five years.

If he wins, Roemer promised to hold his inaugural celebration in Iowa, and not in Washington, D.C.
“I’ll go back to the heartland, where I started. We’ll dance, eat and drink American products,” he said.

David Stilley, 55, of Waukee said he hadn’t heard of Roemer but admired his detailed proposal to restore the nation’s economy.
“I think he should be commerce chairman, or some other appointee,” he said. “It’s going to be an uphill battle for president.”
— Jens Manuel Krogstad